Bundle up, Chilliwack.
The Coldest Night of the Year is a rough time to sleep outside, but it's also an annual event that takes place across Canada.
On Feb. 20, tens of thousands of people will come together to walk and raise money for the crucial work of great local charities serving the hungry, homeless and hurting in our communities.
Teams and individuals will pull on blue toques and head out for a two, five or 10 kilometre walk to bring funds and awareness to a designated local outreach organization.
For the first year in Chilliwack, the Coldest Night funds will be directed to the Cyrus Centre, which provides services and shelter to homeless youth 365 days per year. Mid-way through the chilly, winding route, participants will reach a pit stop at the centre that serves so many.
"The walk helps you experience the elements that people who are homeless are experiencing," Cyrus Centre Executive Director Les Talvio explained. Even if only for one evening.
According to the most recent homeless count, 44 per cent of the homeless population in Chilliwack are between the ages of 15 to 19.
Youth might turn to the Cyrus Centre for a place to sleep after a family breakdown, as an escape from abuse or exploitation, or even just for a meal when their needs aren't being met at home.
In addition to providing immediate food and shelter, the centre offers counselling, employment coaching, mediation and more. All youth that find shelter at the Cyrus Centre have to be willing to work on a long-term plan.
"We stabilize them until they're ready to move on to the next stage," Talvio explained.
That next stage might be returning home to a restored family, or to an alternative stable, affordable living environment, or perhaps to a rehabilitation or treatment centre, if that's what they require.
But the Cyrus Centre is a safe place for youth to turn to when they need help. It's open 24 hours per day, seven days per week.
"It's really encouraging to see this kind of support," Talvio said. He's organized three previous walks for the Abbotsford Cyrus Centre location.
Since 2011, the Coldest Night of the Year has raised $7.9 million for charities nationwide.
"It's an easy, healthy, fun way to help," he explained. The route is level and accessible for people of all ages. "And it's non-competitive, aside from the team spirit award."
Walk as an individual or fundraise as a team with family, friends, or co-workers. Register, donate, and check out the route maps at www.cnoy.org/location/chilliwack.
The walk takes place on Saturday, Feb. 20, starting and ending at First Avenue Church (46510 First Ave). Registration opens at 4 p.m., the walk begins at 5 p.m.
A light meal and hot refreshments will be served at the church when walkers return.
Contact event director Leah Froese at 604-795-5773 or leah@cyruscentre.com for further inquiries about the walk or to discover volunteer opportunities.